3/12

About this artwork

lithografie

Art Historical Context

**3/12 by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet (1832)** Nicolas Toussaint Charlet, a prominent French artist of the Romantic era, was renowned for his lively lithographs capturing the spirit of Napoleonic soldiers and everyday French life. Created in 1832, *3/12* is one of a presumed series of twelve prints, measuring 247 mm high by 338 mm wide. As a master of lithography—a revolutionary printing technique invented in the late 18th century—Charlet drew directly onto limestone slabs with greasy crayon, allowing for rich tonal variations and expressive lines that mimicked his fluid sketches. This medium democratized art, making detailed reproductions affordable and widespread during the July Monarchy. Charlet's works often blended humor, nostalgia, and patriotism, reflecting a post-Napoleonic France yearning for its imperial past amid political upheaval. Produced just after the 1830 Revolution, *3/12* likely evokes the camaraderie of the common soldier, a recurring theme in his oeuvre that endeared him to the public. His innovative use of lithography elevated caricature to fine art, influencing generations of printmakers and preserving vivid snapshots of 19th-century culture for posterity. A charming window into Romantic satire!

About the Artist

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet · 1792–1845

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